A distinctive Chalk echinoid.  Similar to Conulus subrotundus, but with a more conical profile.  Common in the Late Coniacian and Santonian of the White Chalk, rare above.

A B C

1).  Conulus albogalerus (x1.4, Seaford Chalk Formation, Ramsgate, Randell Collection, RR1585).  (A) Apical (upper) surface, anterior (front) end at the bottom of the image.  (B) Lateral (side) view, anterior end at left of image.  (C) Oral (under) surface, anterior end at the bottom of the image.  The central opening is the peristome whilst he posterior opening (top of image) is the periproct.

A

B

C

2).  A large, low-cone form (x0.9, Lewes Nodular Chalk Formation, Shoreham Cement Works, Randell Collection, RR0876).  (A) apical, (B) lateral, and (C) oral views.

A

B

3).  Oral view of the internal flint-mould of a specimen retaining a full cycle of buccal plates within the peristome (ex situ, fields near Tidmarsh, Berkshire, Karen Elliott Collection, image used by kind permission).

4).  Oral view of a specimen which retains some of the buccal  plates of the peristome (x3, White Chalk, Randell Collection, RR1008).